ST. LUCIE COUNTY – For the third year in a row, prior to the start of school, St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) reached a positive agreement with its Classroom Teachers Association (CTA) and Classified Unit (CU) partners on Monday, July 31, despite challenging financial constraints from the State. Superintendent E. Wayne Gent stated, “This is a testament to what true collaboration can produce. I congratulate our bargaining teams and our School Board for having the spirit of trust and good will to work together for the benefit of our employees to reach an agreement before we mark the beginning of another school year.” CTA/CU President Vicki Rodriguez said, “We are pleased to bring our members an agreement prior to the start of the school year. We appreciate our District’s willingness to commit to making employee salaries a priority, despite the legislature’s challenging budget.”
The package includes an average increase of 2.14% for both CTA and CU employees and represents a commitment by the District to increase compensation beyond the 1.49% increase in State funds received this year. Teachers will see a raise of $1,000 for those on the grandfathered salary schedule and those on the pay-for-performance salary schedule rated “Effective.”
Non-instructional employees (CU bargaining unit) will each receive a step increase. In addition, each step in the salary schedule will be increased by $70. A 23rd step will also be added to all CU salary schedules providing raises to those currently on the top step.
In addition to the 2.14% salary increase, the package also includes the continued Board contribution of $750 to a Health Savings Account (HSA) for employees enrolled in high-deductible H.S.A. eligible plans and a contribution of $6,010 to insurance premiums.
In addition, the District and the Union have agreed to increase the supplement base amount from $24,000 to $25,500 for all academic and athletic supplements representing a commitment to fulfill the promise to restore cuts to the supplement base dating back to 2009.
After the November FTE count, the District and the CTA/CU agreed to return to negotiations and increase employee compensation further if funds are available.
About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools is a B-rated District with no failing schools proudly serving the students as the second highest rated School District on the Treasure Coast. The mission of SLPS is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools equipped with the knowledge, skills and desire to succeed. For more information, visit http://www.stlucieschools.org.
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